Masquerade | Johnyong

★ Chapter sixty-three

Masquerade 63

Nahyun toddles over, her tiny legs moving as fast as they could before she throws herself against Taeyong's legs, hugging them tightly. She looks up, her eyes big and innocent. "You didn't play with me today!" She whines.

Sicheng watches, his gaze flickering to Chanyeol as the memory of what Taeyong told him earlier echoes in his mind. The weight of it feels heavy, shifting uncomfortably. He bows just before quietly excusing himself.

Taeyong kneels down to Nahyun's level, his expression softening as he looks at her. "I'm so sorry, Nahyunnie!" He exclaims with a theatrical gasp, placing a hand over his heart. "I got so busy today but I promise next time, we'll play, pinky promise." He holds out his pinky, waiting for hers.

After a moment of consideration, she locks pinkies with him. Taeyong smiles warmly as he gently brushes her dark hair away from her face. "You look so much like your dad. A lot like your dad." He murmurs.

It's a jab at Baekhyun, who catches the implication instantly. His expression tightens but he bites back a retort. He knows better than to start something in front of Chanyeol and Johnny.

"I'll see you soon." Johnny says, clasping Chanyeol's arm as they share a brief hug, a couple of pats on the back exchanged.

Before they can leave, Taeyong stands in Chanyeol's path, his stance firm. "A word." He demands, leaving no room for argument.

Chanyeol and Johnny exchange a confused glance. Chanyeol turns to Baekhyun, telling him to take Nahyun to the car.

Baekhyun reluctantly scoops Nahyun into his arms. "Let's go, sweetheart." He sings as they leave first.

"What's up?" Chanyeol asks, concerned. Taeyong's gaze shifts to Johnny.

Understanding the silent message, Johnny steps back, nodding. "I'll be in my office." He murmurs, pressing a kiss on Taeyong's forehead before leaving.

Taeyong waits till the guards disburse before finally returning his attention onto Chanyeol.

Chanyeol loosens his collar. The intensity of Taeyong's stare is like weight pressing against his chest, making him shift uncomfortably. "Is everything okay?" He tries again only for Taeyong to slap him across the face.

"What the-"

"How could you? Every time I choose to trust you, it always backfires on me." Taeyong's voice shakes with raw anger, each word dripping with the betrayal he feels. 

"What are you talking about?"

"You told Baekhyun about the baby I lost?!" He snarls, his voice barely a whisper but laced with such venom that it makes Chanyeol flinch.

"My mom's death, my brother's death, my unborn-. . . you've told Baekhyun everything! Now he uses it all against me, just to get under my skin!"

Chanyeol's expression crumbles, guilt washing over him. "Taeyong-"

"It was meant to be kept between us!"

Chanyeol looks horrified, his hands coming up in a defensive gesture. "I never meant for him to use it against you, Taeyong. It was a long time ago when Baekhyun and I-"